Top pick1$$Genki Sushi
Kapahulu·Sushi Restaurant
Diners pluck sushi & maki rolls from a moving conveyor belt at this Japan-based chain outpost.
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Kapahulu punches well above its weight when it comes to Japanese food. This ranked list covers 16 qualifying spots in the neighborhood, ordered entirely by real visitor ratings submitted on NateEatsHawaii — no editorial thumb on the scale.
At the top of the list sits Asahi Grill Kaimuki, a no-frills strip-mall staple that has built a devoted following around its legendary oxtail soup. Further down you'll find everything from Genki Sushi's conveyor-belt fun and the Osaka-rooted Kozo Sushi Kapahulu to the intimate omakase counter at Sushi Ginza Onodera and the long-running izakaya atmosphere of Tokkuri Tei — a solid cross-section of what Japanese dining in Kapahulu really looks like.
Spots that Nate has personally visited are marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page, so you can see at a glance where he's eaten firsthand. Otherwise, every ranking here reflects what real diners on the site have rated — making this one of the most honest guides to Japanese food in Kapahulu you'll find.
The ranking
Top pick1$$Diners pluck sushi & maki rolls from a moving conveyor belt at this Japan-based chain outpost.
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6$Outpost of an Osaka-based chain serving sushi & other basic Japanese eats in a no-frills setting.
7
8$$Laid-back noodle joint offering traditional Japanese noodle soups, plus vegan options.
9Homestyle Okinawan-style Japanese dishes & other Asian fare served in a down-to-earth setting.
10$$$$Small, wood-hued Tokyo-outpost with a sushi counter offering three omakase menus & sake.
11$$Low-key, long-running, Japanese-style tavern & sushi bar, with small plates, sushi, beer & liquor.
12$$Lively 2nd-floor eatery drawing crowds for house-special breaded pork entrees & other Japanese grub.
13$$Hawaiian casual dining chain known for its stews, chili & other comfort-food dishes.
14
15$$See every spot on a live map
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FAQ
Based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii, Asahi Grill Kaimuki currently holds the top spot — it's a beloved strip-mall institution best known for its oxtail soup and casual Japanese comfort food.
Kapahulu has several budget-friendly options — Genki Sushi's conveyor-belt format and Kozo Sushi Kapahulu, an offshoot of an Osaka-based chain, are both well-regarded for no-frills Japanese eats without breaking the bank.
The rankings are driven by ongoing visitor ratings submitted to NateEatsHawaii, so the list reflects the most current scores as new reviews come in — check back regularly for the latest standings among all 16 qualifying spots.
Kapahulu